How to Wear a Mini Skirt

One of the lyrics in Dave Matthews’ song “Crash into Me” is “hike up your skirt a little more.” Wow, what a perfect beat-the-heat suggestion for this warmer weather, Dave! (Okay, so that part of the song may have other meanings, but we won’t go there). Our interpretation? Why, it’s time to wear a miniskirt!

But before hitting your favorite store, let’s make sure we’re doing all we can to flatter ourselves as well as this summer, shorty.

Here then, are some tips on how to wear a mini:

Wake up from Thigh-bernation It’s happened to us all: You know that lazy winter-into-spring/summer “I’ll only shave (or wax) just a little bit above my knee” effect? We call it Thigh-bernation: taking a good, intentional rest from thigh follicle maintenance, which can result in longer-than-normal neglect of that general area, even as the warmer months arrive. Rouse that razor from its slumber, baby!

You’re about to break into a mini, baring more than you typically do in your usual shorts and long skirts. So break out the waxes, scrubs, loofahs—whatever it takes—and get your legs as smooth and bump-free as you can. Sounds obvious, but we’ve all taken those shortcuts (c’mon, as if you’ve never skipped out? Like not painting your pinky toenail since it’s covered half the time anyway?).

Wear it Comfortably: Do the Sit ‘n’ Step Test Sure, you look amazing in that miniskirt as you stand in front of the dressing-room mirror. But the keyword is “standing.” In reality, your movements will entail much more walking and general movement than your full-length mirror check.

So while you’re in that dressing room, get that mini on and sit in that sucker, bend a little, march in place and mimic as if going upstairs (who’d ever think you’d get some cardio in as well?). Okay, we realize this may sound ridiculous, but 1) who’s going to see you anyway? and 2) trust us, you’re much better off discovering now that your mini gets a wee bit too mini than facing the awkward discovery while taking a seat in a crowded restaurant later.

You can’t wear a mini—or anything, for that matter—if you feel uncomfortable. Looking good and feeling good definitely go hand-in-hand. Do the test!

Know What Your Options Are The best part about shopping? Options! There’s bound to be a mini that works for you.

Minis need not be skin-tight or basic black; you can go short while still being practical about comfort—and sport plenty of color and fabric choices to boot! We like a magenta silk banded-waist skirt or a yellow pleated one: bright, short and high on the comfort meter!